A chara, - While appreciating that some people may harbour concerns about the location of a traveller halting sites here on the Howth Peninsula, this preoccupation should not blind them and others to the present reality that parts of Howth's beautiful west mountain have been permanently destroyed by wholesale dumping of builders' rubble and other construction materials.
How has this situation come to pass? For years builders and others have, for a price, been allowed to dump in the area of the west mountain, known as the Loughoreen Hills. This rubble now covers a large area of a previously beautiful natural landscape. Furthermore, vehicular access to the west mountain's only car park is now barred by two big gates that have been placed across the "right of way" leading to the car park. This car park was provided by Dublin Corporation, presumably using taxpayers' money.
Is all of this "development" and destruction authorised and if not, why has the local authority, Fingal Co Council, not stopped it? This area is zoned high amenity and due to its outstanding natural beauty, is presently under active consideration to be elevated to special amenity area status, thus, I understand, putting it on a par with the North Bull Island and the Liffey Valley.
We urge people to wake up the reality of this permanent destruction of one of Dublin's precious jewels. - Is mise.,
Liam O Droma,
Ard na Gaoithe, Mullach Bhinn Eadair.